God-Touched

Ja-Cuze! Part One

In which our heroes get debriefed and are seen off to Los Angeles

STEnd of Week 3. Everyone’s gathered together in the warehouse. You’re expecting Alejandro here any minute now to give you the briefing. He’s also told you he’ll be driving you to Half Moon Bay Airport, where a private plane will be waiting to take you to Los Angeles.

MikeMike has his guitar packed away nice and snug, his pick in his back pocket, and a determined face on him.

HarryGear for civilian ops, as well as his costume, packed with a (airport system approved) disassembled paintball gun.

SanuraSanura’s got her bags packed and glances at the fellows as she takes a box out of her room. She smirks as she opens it up. “Ah present time guys” she looks too amused for the gifts to be very serious. Though Mikes Mask is as he wished it and she hands it over first. Black with the puppet sticks and strings. She gives Malif a black leather mask that’s got pointed tips and is carved with Hieghroglyphs for mystery and magic. Harry is gifted a sort of joke one, a leather headband to fit over his usual helmet like mask, it’s got wings on either side. Knowing Vic has no plans on hiding she gives him a paper mask that’s.. a fish face. She watches them each for their reactions.

Victor*Victor has actually been gone the entire 3 weeks, excpet for the day he picked up his Satelite phone. Spanish music is heard blaring closer as his motorcycle revs up, He parks the bike outfront of the door (not sure if we have an internal garage now) and walks inside. His bracers, the ones that he has never removed are missing, a tattoo of a trident can be seen on his left forearm down to his wrist.*

HarryHarry chuckles, and packs it.

MikeMike smiles and places his mask on his face to test the fit. “Nice. Definitely works for me.” He packs his mask as well, placing it in with the guitar.

SanuraShe smiles faintly to his reaction and then dons her own very simple black mask. “How do I look?” she strikes a ‘heroic’ pose.

MikeMike chuckles a bit. “Very heroic.”

Harry“Cute.”

MalifMalif is not bringing anything other than some clothes, his wallet, and his Relics.

Victor*Victor upon walking in would take the paper mask, look at Sanura and put it up to his face and do a quick salsa dance.* “Soy Senor Fishy.” *Before he shakes his head and throws the mask on the table.*

MikeMike laughs at Victor’s reaction!

SanuraSHe wrinkles her nose “cute is not what I was going for” she snorts at Vic’s reaction to his gift and then puts her own mask in her leather bag.

MalifMalif frowns at Victor. “Its a good thing we have me around, when the social skills of others are so poor.”

SanuraShe chuckles "Uncle it was a joke really, he took it perfectly.. " she shows that Vic’s mask is actually made of paper and not leather like everyone elses.

Mike“Hey, my social skills are pretty good thank you. Then again… have an easier time talking to the dead than normal people now…”

Malif“Your intent was for him to be flippant and condescending about the mask?”

SanuraShe gives a little nod “indeed, it was a joke.. did you see it?” she chuckles and makes a fishy face and holds up the paper mask.

MalifMalif smirks. “Oh, because he is of the oceanlord. I see!”

Victor*Victor heads up stairs to what was designated his room, He had packed a simple bag, he dons his underarmor shirt and comes back down stairs, he would then bring the bike inside, Whistle for Cyril and tell him to meet us at the airport when we arrive. and to leave…Now.

HarryHarry sighs. “Okay, so. As amusing as this is, we do need to acquire you guys some actually concealing gear. But, as is, that’s secondary, as we’re doing this one low-key.”

SanuraSanura nods softly and walks over to Malif, showing him the ring her mother had given her. “Isn’t it lovely?” she murmurs as she admires the caracal ring. She pauses and glances to Harry “don’t tell me it’s track suits for everyone.. I just won’t do it”

Victor“Again…Im not Hiding Harry…I have my clothes…I will wear those.”

STCyril does so, Crook’s eyes on him as he departs.

Victor*Victor rubs his wrists obviously not used to the bracers being gone*

Mike“I’m actually thinking of going black cloak with hood, using the mask. I’m not really a combative person, so… yeah.”

MalifMalif looks rather confused. “Not combative? I’ve seen you hold a limo back from falling off a dock before!”

Victor(i like how noone notices the missing bracers lol)

Malif(How long have we known Vic? XD )

Mike“Well, I had that strength before… but now, I could just life a 50 lb dumbbell.”

Victor(he wore them 24hrs a day for the week or two you did know him))

Malif(Did Majin lose Epic Str out of his respec?)

Mike((Mmhmm.))

Malif(Wai?)

Mike((Had to make sacrifices for some of the abilities that I got.))

SanuraSanura gathers her things and then glances to Harry and Vic “ah I don’t suppose you boys would be so kind as to get my bags?” she puts on her best damsel in distress expression, though the idea of it is sort of laughable with how her attitude usually is.

Malif(Are you changing your char concept? Or just getting it later?)

Mike((A tradeoff. I’m going more focused on zombie control and manipulation of others rather than pure DD. Though the Zombies take real good care of the DD. Also, going to yoink the Epic Str and Epic Dex later.))

STSpeak of the devil… there’s the sound of a car pulling up and doors opening and closing.
“Race ya!” says Angela’s voice from outside.
After rushed footsteps, Sofia is the first to open the door to the warehouse. “Avengers assemble!” she calls out to the entire room.

MalifMalif chuckles and waves to Sofia. “Hey there, Hulk!”

Victor*Victor sighs and grabs Sanura’s bags and places them in the SUV along with his bag*

Harry“I don’t wanna be Ultimate Quicksilver.”

ST“Grrr,” growls Sofia playfully as she flexes.

MikeMike laughs a bit at that. “I was gonna say she’d be more Black Widow.”

Malif“Why not? Scarlet Witch was gorgeous!”

MalifMalif smirks.

Harry“Because he was sleeping with his sister.”

Malif"….and you’re from the Greek pantheon…. "

MikeMike grins sheepishly at that. “Greeks… you never know…”

Victor*Victor looks at the kid and nods and gives a half ass wave. Not sure if the girl would remember the visit a year and a half ago.*

Malif“Do any of the Greek gods keep it OUT of the family?”

SanuraShe smiles “thanks Fishy Face” she winks playfully, she was clearly in a good mood today. She beams brightly to Sofia “Hey there darling, how are you today?” she walks over and scoops the girl up in a hug.

Victor*Victor shakes his head simply at Sanura’s comment rubbing his writs repeatedly, Victor seems uncomfortable, He traces the trident tattoo with his right pointer finger as he leans against Alejandro’s vehicle.*

STAngela entered not long after Sofia, clearly letting the girl have the win. She’s wearing her usual gear, with the Batman symbol t-shirt that she’d worn in her conversation with Harry, along with a pair of jeans and a scarf that winds around her neck. She looks up at everyone and says, “All right, briefing time! Everyone to the comm room!”
Alejandro finally exits the SUV, eyeballing Victor. “Good to see you’re eager to go, Mr. Cordero. But we aren’t going to leave just yet.”

Harry“Well, we younger Gods tend to go for non-siblings. Less drama.” He takes the jabs in stride, and loads up.

SanuraSanura grins a little at Angela’s blushing and chuckles “guess the love birds made up” her tone softly teasing.

ST(( LOL ))

STAngela clears her throat. “We… reached a compromise.” Her blush deepens a little.

Sanura“Good you two are much to adorable a couple to stay mad at each other”

Victor*Victor keeps quiet and simply shakes his head*

MikeMike had taken a thwap from a God. Mike’s hit didn’t even register to him now. But he still responded. “I know that. But I still wanted to point it out.” He looks at Angela. “If the bruising in your abdomen region is still there when we get back, I’ll see about repairing the bruising completely. I feel a bit more confident in my abilities now.”

Malif“Is something wrong Vic?”

Harry“I have Aesclepius on speed dial now. We may need to make some sort of exchange for services…but I’m confident we can get help if we get over our heads.”

ST“So!” Angela says, trying to regain composure. “Um. Compromise. Yes! I won’t be joining you on this mission. But that doesn’t mean I can’t help. I’ll be like Barbara Gordon after she got all paraplegic!” Her enthusiasm quickly fades. “Um. That sounded a lot better in my head.”

Victor*Vic Looks at Malif* “Being Tested, over the last few weeks hasnt really gone so well….Shows him his right wrist. Bracers are gone.”

Victor“Just not used to it yet.” *Victor eyes his new tattoo*

Mike“Just not used to what?”

Victor“Change.”

MalifMalif smiles at Angela. “Well, an Oracle is helpful to have! Best without the wheelchair mind you.”

MalifHe turns to Vic. “Oh, were your bracers a Relic? Why are they gone?”

HarryHarry chuckles. “Malif, we’re gonna talk about this hidden well of comic book knowledge you’ve been keeping from me.”

Harry“What did the bracers do?”

Victor*Victor nods* “Athena has them for now. She will return them when she can.”

MalifMalif chuckles. “Oh, we’ve had three weeks, and knowing how much you talk about comics, I had to do a little brushing up.”

Victor*Looks at Harry* “Everything. No more Frosty the snowman over here …for now…”

Malif“I’m still no expert in the field.”

STAngela looks at Victor. “Athena? Your… er… patron… is Athena? I took you more for a watery guy, like Triton or Poseidon.”

HarryHarry shrugs. “The family has a tendency to work together to help…or harm… popular heroes.”

Victor“Athena is my Cousin….and, my Neice…..Not my mother.”

Harry“Watch the original Clash of the Titans sometime.”

SanuraSanura sits back and crosses her legs as she eyes Angie waiting to see what else is to be divulged.

STAngela looks more taken aback at Victor’s statement about Athena being his neice.
“Briefing,” Alejandro reminds from his corner.
“Right!” The main screen on the wall turns on, revealing the title slide of a very savvy fancified version of a Powerpoint presentation.

Harry"Once one starts handing out gifts, it becomes competition. “Oh you gave him a sword? I’ll give him a shield! Oh, you gave him a shield? I’ll give him the king of the winged horses!”

MalifMalif heads over to the corner Alejandro is in. “How are things, my good man?”

MikeMike is now silent and watches the powerpoint.

ST“Briefing,” Alejandro repeats, nodding to the presentation.

HarryHarry settles in. “Proceed, I’m done.”

Victor*Victor looks at the presentation from the back and keeps quiet*

STThe slide changes. “Alejandra Cruz, or Ja-Cuze. Daughter of Tezcatlipoca.” She allows herself a small smile of triumph at the smooth pronunciation that she’d practiced over and over again the last couple of days. “A nobody, kind of, at first, from the bad neighborhoods of LA. Dropped out of high school but a passionate poet, considering how much I had to sift through on her Livejournal. Lots of dark stuff in her puberty days. Blood, guts, it’s all depressing, really.” The slide shifts to show a picture of Ja-Cuze’s professional black-and-white headshot, with her staring at the camera, one eyebrow slightly raised and a small, knowing smile on her face. It’s a gorgeous shot of a gorgeous woman, with the trademark Hispanic smoldering look. “Only about a eight months ago did she start posting up videos to Youtube of her songs under the username ‘Ja-Cuze.’ Her first one, ‘What She Wore,’ a song criticizing the treatment of victims in a rape, became an overnight hit as inflammatory comments spammed Youtube left and right. Soon enough more songs followed, and they got hit after hit after hit. Her most recent one…” the slide changes to the Youtube video they had seen before, playing a clip of the song they’d all heard in Acquerello, “The Shi…” Angela casts a glance at Sofia. “Err, the Poopheads, called out Los Comemierdas, a notorious drug-trafficking gang from her home neighborhood, and the accusing the LAPD of taking bribes in one fell swoop.”

ST“It’s only in the past three months that she got a sponsor and started giving live performances all across the US.”

Mike“Do we know who her sponsor is?”

ST“Anonymous. I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.”

SanuraSanura glances to Ale, was he mixed up with the trouble making woman, she rather doubts that…

Mike“Can I have that million dollars, since Harry doesn’t need it?” He sticks out his tongue playfully.

SanuraMakes a mental note to research this Tezca.

Victor*Victor watches the presentation taking it all in, still keeping quiet.*

Malifback

MalifMalif watches and takes in the information quietly as well.

STAgain the slide shifts to a blurred photo taken from a security tape of a man sitting at a restaurant with a group of other men. It’s hard to make out any details, but the general image is of an unhealthily gaunt Mexican fellow with his hair buzzed very close to his skull, wearing an expensive tailored Italian suit. A label floats up just underneath it, reading ‘Tunante?’
“Los Comemierdas, run by a fellow who’s only known as ‘Tunante.’ Couldn’t dig up anything on him except rumors and hearsay and debates on forums. But Los Comemierdas, on the other hand, is really well known, especially in the worst parts of Central LA down to the South Bay and the Harbor. They’re mostly left alone by all the other gangs there.” Angela changes the slide, which features a screenshot of an LA Times article about gruesome murders in gang territories. “Those who aren’t smart enough to leave them alone… well…” Angela presses another button, and more titles of articles begin to gradually cover the slide to form an incomprehensible collage. “The police reports come across a lot of bodies in known Los Comemierdas territory of Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings… all of them with their hearts torn out. Of course, something always comes up to put the investigations on hiatus, so Ja-Cuze may not be too far off-base about LC and the LAPD.”

Harry“Okay, so, those are the players. What’s our desired objective? Tunante dead? Ja-Cuze a team member?”

Victor*Victor looks at Malif* “Fine….” *Victor lifts his pants leg and reveals a Lion tattoo in Yellow and black on his left calf*

SanuraSanura quirks a brow at that but doesn’t say anything.

Victor“The lion, its the symbol of the Latin Kings, the king of the jungle, Amor del Rey, Love for the King….Cause as they always say….Black and gold…..Never fold.” *Victor puts his pant leg back down."

Malif“Ah, you’re a member, then.”

Victor“Old life.”

ST“Hey, guys. Focus. Important question here.” Angela sends a glance Alejandro’s way. “What say you, Mr. X?”
Alejandro speaks up. “Your objective is to make sure nothing happens to Ja-Cuze. It may come down to killing Tunante. Just keep in mind that he’s a son of Mictlantecuhtli, and, according to my sources, a powerful one at that.” He pauses. “I do want you try to convince her to join the team. I talked to her briefly on the phone, however, and she didn’t seem too terribly interested. I imagine she requires a demonstration of our usefulness.” He pulls a business card out of his coat pocket. “If all else fails, after this mission is over, just give this to her and we’ll see where it goes from there.” After another pause, he says, “If things get out of hand with Tunante and Los Comemierdas, though, I want all of you to get out of there. While we could use another member, losing even one of you is too high a price to pay.”

Harry“Okay. So…dismantling Tunante’s gang’s power structure…not part of the plan.”

ST“Not a primary part. But if the opportunity arises… then, as the leader of this mission, Harry, I’ll leave that decision to your judgement.”

Harry“Okay. Then what I’m thinking is this. We wait about sweeping anti-gang action for it’s own sake, and focus on two major points. A) We make sure we take no casualties. B) We put down stakes and, for a limited duration, try to help the lady. Question is, how long do we devote to this? If this Tunante doesn’t decide to come face us within a month…we’re kind of pouring water on sand to make an ocean.”

Malif“Well, we’re there for protection, not aggression.”

Mike“Well I doubt a concert tour in LA is going to last a full month. A week at the most.”

Harry“That’s what I’m asking. How long are we choosing to extend our protection, if things don’t come to a head?”

Harry“Just while she’s in the US for this tour?”

Harry“Just California? Just LA?”

STAlejandro nods. “She’s only going to be in LA for a week before she starts off for her next performance in Nashville. If she doesn’t decide to join the team by then… well, she’ll have brought whatever misfortune follows on her own head.”

Victor*Victor speaks up* “If we never see him then protecting her during the tour is alot easier than expected and we can go home. Im not turning into a full time body guard for some pop star. If this goes outside of Cali Im done.”

ST“I’m not asking you to. Just the one week.”

Victor“Good.”

Harry“Okay. One week sounds perfectly reasonable. Once she’s on a plane across the country, we’re done.”

Harry“Just want to make sure we all are sure what we’re committing to here.”

Malif“I do have some ideas about Tunanthe if we do have to mess with his gang, but if we dont, all the smoother.”

HarryHarry ponders. “Okay. So. Next issue. Do we reveal our involvement and identities to the lady?”

Malif“If she is anonymously protected, then finds our card left behind….”

Malif“It could work either way.”

Mike“Plus, I have this sneaking suspicion that she’s been actually watching us for a while.”

Harry“Sometimes Batman is Batman. Sometimes Batman is Bob the Drunk from the villains bar by the docks.”

MalifMalif chuckles. “Just call me Bob then.”

ST“As I mentioned before, I spoke to her directly on the phone. She knows who I am, and she knows I’m sending five fellow children of the gods to guard her.” He also nods to Mike. “She’s agreed to let your band open for her.” He regards the rest of the group as a whole. “I didn’t tell her your names. I’ll leave it up to you how you want to introduce yourselves.”

ST“You’ll be meeting her at the concert hall she’ll be performing at in LA.”

Harry“Disguises have the advantage of not being unique. I can be Harry ‘Synergy’ Mercury, I can be the Speed Demon, or I can be ‘some guy in a ballcap and shades’.”

SanuraSanura frowns faintly “What if something happens at the camp while we’re away?”

Victor“Then speedy McGee here is back in two seconds flat.”

Harry“Alejandro, Sofia, Angela, and Naomi will play home team on this one.”

STAlejandro nods. “Boudicca as well.”

Malif“I pity anyone that has to face the Dragon Puncher!”

SanuraSanura nods her head softly to that.

Harry“And I can be back here from LA in under an hour.”

STSofia grins as she’s addressed, but keeps quiet.

Victor*Victor’s brow furrows at the name Dragon Puncher and chuckles a bit sarcasticly*

ST“/Under/ an hour? It took us two and a half hours to get to the Olympic Stadium earlier,” points out Angela.

MikeMike grimaces. “Okay, before we go… Alejandro, I need to mention something… it might make or break the mission. Do you know of any type of power that could project someone’s image through a reflective surface, even reach through it possibly?”

Harry“I’ve gotten faster. Sorry sis. 446 mph.”

ST“WHAT!?”

ST“Not fucking fair!”

ST“Err,” Angela glances at Sofia.

MalifXD

HarryHe chuckles. “Sorry, them’s the breaks.”

SanuraSanura belatedly covers the girls ears and then sighs. “I’ll need to be faster”

ST“Oh, so I get RUNTHROUGH and have to stay behind and you get to run up to 446 MILESPERHOUR.” Angela crosses her arms.

Harry“Hey, you’ll catch up. I’m sure of it.”

HarryHard to suppress that grin though.

STAlejandro sighs and looks to Mike. “Specifically through a reflective surface? I don’t know about that, but there are plenty of powers to impress a lasting image on someone’s mind, or to make one hallucinate, see their worst nightmares… that sort of thing.”

ST“You suck hardcore, man.” Angela blows a stray hair out of her face in frustration.

HarryHarry shrugs with a “nothing I can do about it” look on his face.

MikeMike hmms a bit at that. “Well… on two separate instances, I’ve seen… something… in reflective surfaces. A female. Long black hair that obscures most of her face, save for part of her pale grey skin, and a single eye. Think The Ring. The first time was at Sanura’s hotel. The next, just this week. A few days ago. I saw it in a mirror at Sanura’s hotel, and in the reflection of the TV while it was turned off.”

Malif“You gotta drop the LSD, my friend. Or not drop it, as the case may be.”

STAlejandro narrows his eyes in concentration as he files through his mental logs. “Strange.” He glances at Malif. “I wouldn’t discredit him entirely Mr. Mysterious. But I would avoid psychotropics.” He looks to Mike. “Stay alert, then.”

MalifMalif chuckles. “Oh, I just tease. I’m not dismissing, truly.”

Mike“I know what I saw… and felt. It wasn’t a hallucination. I’m very sure of it. I felt… malice… anger… all around, not nice. At first I thought that it had to be a spirit, but then I couldn’t sense it. Then Harry mentioned something about Tezca and mirrors and such. Made me think it might have been Ja-Cuze spying on us or something.”

Harry“Sounds like a drowned spirit. Which most Americans don’t associate with girls unless they watch Japanese horror movies. SO…I’m gonna go with Alejandro’s theory. It’s about fears, not an actual ghost.”

SanuraSanura observes quietly and listens, her fingers turning the delicate golden ring on her middle finger.

MikeMike rubs his face a bit. “Regardless, those have been the only two times that I’ve seen it. But the second time, it actually reached through and was about to grab at my face.”

Harry“Which makes it sound even more like the Ring, and less like the legend it’s based on.”

ST“Yeah, sounds like you need to avoid the foreign horror films,” Angela comments.

Harry“Let me ask you something.”

Malif“The question is, why would someone be targetting such things at our rocker?”

Harry“When it was close, and reaching for you, did you feel like you were drowning? Like you were breathing water?”

Mike“No. No drowning sensation at all.”

ST(( I’d like to point something out: I didn’t specifically state that he felt an air of anger and malice. ))

Mike((It’s Mike dramatizing it.))

Harry“Yeah, not the actual Japanese ghost thing. Someone sicced a movie ghost on you. Might as well be Freddy Kreuger.”

Mike“Freddy Kreuger was still dangerous.”

ST(( That’s fair, but I’m pointing out that it’s not necessarily canon. ))

Victor*Victor shakes his head* “Are we seriously stalling, talking about a day dream he had, You really think that someone who fucks with Zombies may not have a few things happen to you negatively….You’re probably just stressed, Get a nap on the plane and you will probably be just fine.”

Harry“Is there anyone who can control dreams or fears angry at you?”

MalifMalif turns to Vic. “Really, we know you aren’t the brains of the operation, but do please try to avoid being an outright moron.”

MikeMike closes his eyes. “Thinking back on it… while it didn’t feel like I was drowning, it DID feel really cold… and kinda empty… and only person… or, God I should say… is Erzulie. Don’t get me started on it. I don’t even wanna remember her right now.” He shivers a bit. “But that whole thing is not her style anyway.”

Harry“No need for cracking on Vic.”

Harry“Erzulie…” He pulls out his smartphone and starts searching.

Mike“Loa.”

STAngela alt-tabs out of the powerpoint and begins doing the same right as Harry whips out his phone.

Harry“Love, beauty, jewelry, dancing, luxury and flowers.”

Victor*Vic looks at Malif* “Im not being a moron just stating the obvious, remember when you were a kid, and something new and scary happened. You would see it everywhere, when you start to mess with death…it messes with you. Just saying. Now if we could please…Continue this Presentation…Id like to not miss our flight.”

Harry“Jealous and spoiled and lazy, on her dark side.”

SanuraSanura listens to Harry’s summary.“anything else?”

ST“Mr. Mysterious. There’s no need to insult Mr. Cordero,” warns Alejandro. “You’re on a team. I chose him because I knew he would be of help. Respect that, even if you don’t respect him.”

Harry“Dark side is scary protective of women and children, patron to lesbians…”

Malif“The obvious, Victor, is that we’re steeped in the supernatural, and you’re dismissing that. Such willful ignorance is dangerous.”

Mike“And Joanna’s mom.”

Harry“Yeah…I think we have a prime suspect.”

STAngela is intently reading the article even as Harry reads it aloud. “Patron to lesbians. Huh,” she says thoughtfully.

Mike“She’s in the Loa afterlife. Nibo took her there himself, remember?”

SanuraSanura quirks a brow to that. “Ah.. sounds a little bit like Bastet actually..” she frowns faintly “And you stopped her from going to the children didn’t you?” she tsks softly and shakes her head. "No wonder her mother was unhappy with you.

Harry“And associated with Mami Wata, goddess of drowning, and queen of the sirens.”

Harry“Bingo.”

Mike“Like I said. I don’t feel any sort of drowning sensation. Just cold emptiness.”

MalifMalif sighs. “So one of our team has pissed off a Goddess, and another one is dismissing that fact as irrelevant. Wonderful.”

STAlejandro runs a hand through his hair, heaving a sharp sigh.

Harry“Skip it, Malif, Vic. We don’t have the firepower to take on Erzulie. She’s one of the big names.”

Harry“For now, we focus on the job.”

SanuraSanura shrugs “If it’s a real issue we’ll deal with it when it arrises.”

Malif“I never said anything about taking her on. We just need to be aware of dangers.”

SanuraShe nods to Harry’s words and looks over to Alejandro. "Anything else you must impart before we’re to go on our way?

Victor“He pissed of Ezrulie, A goddess who Most likely would just kill him, not try and scare him. The Loa are direct. Just saying is all….”

Harry“She seems to be like the Hera of the Loa. Good side, bad grudge holder.”

Mike“She was pretty direct when she said she was going to kill me, only for my old man to broker a deal.”

MalifMalif sighs again. “Please stop pretending that you know everything, and keep an open mind, Vic?”

HarryHarry stands up, slowly. “Enough.”

Harry“Mike, let us know if there’s another phantom presence. Else, we skip it. How long do we have till Ja-Cuze arrives?”

Victor*Victor Begins to walk out, of the conferenc room* “Well while you deal with this Im going to work on our -mission- or did we all forget we have a plane to catch. And i dont know Everything That i know but I know enough. New blood, You are new to this whole thing and every bump in the shadow every shimmer in the corner of your eye is going to scare you. Once you learn to realize that you will be ok.” *With that Victor Leaves the room and begins to head outside to smoke one of his cigerettes.*

MikeMike nods. “Got it. I can power through and ignore it if it shows up during the concert. But it seems to just be through reflective surfaces, so as long as I don’t play in front of mirrors I think I’ll be fine.”

STAngela watches Victor go. “Wow, that’s some burr he’s got up his butt.”
“Guys, please don’t fight,” entreats Sofia. “We’re the good guys. We shouldn’t hate each other.”
Alejandro puts a hand on her shoulder, which causes her to quiet down. “After you land in Burbank, you’ll be driven to the concert hall where Ja-Cuze should be rehearsing. I’ve booked hotel rooms for all of you near her apartment.”

MalifMalif nods.

MikeMike nods.

Harry“Alright. Then let’s get moving. Sanura, snag Victor. And Malif, watch your yap. I can’t be the only powerhouse on this team.”

Harry“We need someone who can survive a smackdown with me if I get mind controlled or charmed.”

Mike“If you get mind controlled or charmed, I can break you free… you won’t like how I do it, but you’ll be free.”

Malif “One of these days, I’ll likely be able to fix that mind control, actually. But today is not yet that day.”

HarryWith that, Harry heads for the ride.

SanuraSanura smirks faintly and heads out to snag Vic to get on their way.

MikeMike heads to the vehicle as well.

ST“Oh, uh, if you guys need any more information… you all have my number,” Angela says as she jogs after them. “I’ll probably either be here or at Professor X’s School for the Gifted.”
Alejandro takes Sofia’s hand and they head to the SUV.

Victor*Victor finishes his cig and gets into the SUV*

MalifMalif follows along as well.

Malif“Well, from what I can recall of the aztecs, it seems both of the scions down there are fitting in with their parents rather well.”

STAfter a half-hour ride in a car full of tension, they arrive at the relatively tiny Half Moon Bay Airport. The high whine of the jet’s idling engines greets their ears as the exit the vehicle (and some long before, for those whose ears more divinely inclined). It’s not a very large airplane, but still sizeable enough to provide a comfortable space for the dream team. The door in the side is open, with steps leading to the inside. A uniformed porter waits at the base of the steps.

SanuraWith her ever present bag she unfolds herself form the transport. She looks disdainfully at the cat carrier that Crook would most likely need to be stuffed into.

Victor*Victor enters the plane and secures a seat at a window looking over the wing*

STAlejandro puts the car in park and follows behind the group, Sofia hanging onto his hand. He pauses not far from the steps. “Good luck, everyone,” he says.

MikeMike turns and looks at Alejandro. “What, afraid of heights?”

ST“I’m staying behind to handle things here.”

SanuraShe nods her head “take care Alejandro” she bends and brushes a kiss to Sofia’s brow. “Take care of your daddy huh?” she winks softly and strokes the girls cheek lightly.

Mike“Alright. We’ll catch you in a week, then.”

HarryHarry hugs Sofia, and hands her off to her dad. “See you soon, bro. And you be good, you little bandit.”

STSofia smiles at Sanura. “You bet!” Her smile turns to a grin as Harry hugs her. “I’ll try my best!”
The plane isn’t entirely empty. Within are three young men wearing various shades of black and various accoutrements of leather and studs. As Mike boards the plane, one of them, with carefully feathered shoulder-length brown hair and a tight light-gray t-shirt, stands up. He gives Mike a half smile. “What’s up, cockmongler?” he says as he moves to give him a brotherly hug.

Mike“Dickface! What up, man?” He gives the guy a brotherly hug.

ST“Not much, dude. I still can’t believe you got us to open for Ja-Cuze.”

Mike“What can I say? Connections, man. Connections.”

SanuraSanura quirks a brow at the greeting. “So much testosterone” she mumbles softly as she smooths her hand down her skirt and looks for a place to sit.

HarryHarry settles in with his smartphone, studying about the two gods involved in this clash.

SanuraSanura sets her bag down and catches sight of Harry’s research. “Anything of interest?” she questions as she leans a hip against his chair.

ST“Yeah, no shit. Who are all these people?” Mark asks as he looks around at the others. “Wait, is that Harry-fuckin’- Mercury?”

MikeMike holds up his index fingers. “Intros.” He looks at the other Gods children. “Guys, this is my band: Absolute Illusion. We have me, Lead Guitar and Singer. Abel Marsh, Drums.” He points to each of the band members in turn. “Jeff Myers, Bass. And Mark Knyre, Rhythm Guitar.” He looks at his band. “Yep. Harry Mercury. Like I said. Connections.”

SanuraSanura sighs faintly as his earbuds prevent her chatting with him about research. Feeling a bit snubbed actually. She rolls her eyes as the band is no doubt about to lose their shit. Taking a few steps back she’d take out her laptop and go about her research.

HarryHarry looks up, raising an eyebrow. “Hm?” He pulls a headphone away from his ear.

STJeff doesn’t say anything as he’s introduced. His hoodie’s over his head and he’s slouched boredly in his chair. Abel isn’t covered, but also doesn’t offer a response other than to lift his hand in greeting.

STMark stares at Harry.

Mike“Then along with Harry, we have Victor Cordero,” He’d point to each one in succession as he named them off. “Sanura Menmatre, and Malif the Mysterious.”

HarryLooking at them, and waiting another few moments to see what was wanted…

SanuraSanura lifts her head from where she’s bowed over the laptop and gives a faint nod of her head. “Gentlemen” she greets softly.

STAbel looks at each of them as they’re introduced, nodding in greeting. To Sanura he offers a bit of a smile in addition to his nod.

Victor*Victor looks to the group and gives no wave no indication of a greeting he just turns his head back around and looks out the window.*

MalifMalif makes one of the grand, overdone magician gestures he makes during his shows.

SanuraSanura looks back to the laptop and toys with her ring as she tries to learn more about the Aztec families.

HarryHarry shrugs, and lets the headphone fall back into place. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=blRO5Q-5×8o#t=17

SanuraSanura crosses her legs and settles into her reasearch.

HarryAs Harry studies, his head begins to lightly bounce as his track hits.

Harryhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ksvy1GVMYU

STCrook, as is in the nature of cats to do so, decides that now, when Sanura is focused on important things, is when he wants to be showered with attention. He proceeds to headbutt her hands as she tries to type, and walks all over the keyboard.
After shaking off his awe, Mark glances briefly to Jeff and Abel before regarding Mike again and then dips his head a little, lowering his voice. “Hey, you all right, man?”
The door to the airplane closes and the engines begin to power up.

STMark nods, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, yeah. Not much else to do, really.”

ST“This is your captain speaking: All passengers please be seated with seatbelts on while the plane takes off. You may take your seatbelts off once the plane reaches 20,000 feet. Thank you.”

SanuraSanura gets a little distracted from her research, thinking she should find something to wear when they’re ‘working’

MalifMalif was already seated, so he just waits.

Mike“Well, then no need to be nervous right? I mean, we’ll give em a show they won’t forget! And just think. The bar? An appetizer.” Mike was seated. He buckles himself in. “This is gonna be the main course, opening for a big name like Ja-Cuze!”

STBetween Mark and Mike is a black marble coffee table, polished to a smooth sheen that reflects those seated and the ceiling of the plane.

SanuraSanura looks around at the more or less silent group as the plane climbs. Her digits busy petting Crook and now and then typing something into the search engine.

MikeMike narrows his eyes as he looks at the coffee table. He then sighs and just leans back in his seat, hands behind his head as he starts whistling one of his random guitar solos pretty well.

Victor*Victor closes his eyes and sleeps for the first time in weeks*

Malif“So, neice, any more information about what Los have been up to lately?”

STAbel lightly taps his hands against his thighs as Mike whistles.

SanuraShe looks up and flushes guiltily.. she’d been browsing clothes not searching for the gang.. cartel.. what ever they were. She quickly switches windows and types in the name of the group. “let’s see…”

MalifMalif grins when Sanura looks down again. Busted.

SanuraShe looks over to the band and then to Mike. “So they .. know why we’re traveling to LA?” she questions with a faint arch of her brows.

Mike“Duh. We’re opening for Ja-Cuze.”

SanuraHer lips purse and she nods her head slightly.

STMark gives her a sidelong glance. “You know, we’re sitting right here, lady. You don’t have to talk like we aren’t here.”

STAbel elbows Mark.

SanuraShe blushes faintly and clears her throat at that “my appologies.. there’s a delicate matter I’m invested in and I wanted to know if you had been made aware.”

STMark gives Mike a warily inquisitive look.

MikeMike grimaces. “It regards a matter that you don’t wanna know about Mark… I’ll leave it at that.”

Sanura“Nothing to concern yourselves with .. you need only focus on your performance” she murmurs as she returns to shopping on her lap top.

STJeff looks up from under his hoodie at Mike, an eyebrow raised as he says this. But he doesn’t say anything else, choosing only to slouch and stare out the window.

Malif“That was rather cold, neice.”

Mike“But kinda true. We’re just there to make the name Absolute Illusion a household name!”

SanuraShe looks up and frowns "I was only trying to be reassuring, she huffs “I swear I may take a liking to Ezrueli and her type.. Men are so senstive” she tsks as she orders her clothes to be sent overnight to the hotel.

HarryHarry opens his headphones again. “Am I missing something?”

MalifMalif sighs. “Am I the only one on this plane with an ounce of etiquette?”

Mike“It’s Erzulie. And not really, Harry.”

Sanura[she’d have gotten it right even if the player didn’t fyi]

SanuraShe sighs softly and shakes her head. “I’ve got a handle on such things, when needed. I wasn’t aware that guarding ones tongue so strictly was needed among those I was hoping to consider friends after a longer aquantance.”

MalifMalif covers the phone he’s on for a moment. “Quite the opposite neice. Barking at people is the opposite of encouraging friendships with those you bark at. And yes, I know I did that myself earlier.” Then he returns to the phone call.

SanuraHer brows arch and she shakes her head again. She’d spoken hardly above a whisper and her tone had been matter of fact at worst, though she’d meant to sound reasuringly casual. She glances to the rockers and then to the rest of those on the plane. Her lips pressing tightly together as she holds her tongue for a while since apparently her words were coming out quite the opposite of how she meant them today.

SanuraShe glances to Harry and gives a faint shrug that she doesn’t know. She had been in a rather good mood up untill she’d been chastised several times over.

Harry“Well, figure out what it is and pull it out. We’re going to go risk our lives this week. I can’t keep all of you from each other’s throats and keep an eye out for trouble too.” He winces and looks at his headphones and jerks them off, as they blare a fast drum and electric guitar charge.

HarryHe flicks over to his play lists, seeing if his mood list was still going, or if there was a pop up or some reason for him not to snap at Mike.

MalifMalif hangs up the phone, smiling now. “Angela will keep an eye out for our mysterious gang leader, in case any useful info pops up.”

Malif“Sure it is, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Go get yourself another one.” She can likely hear him smiling in his voice, then he hangs up.

Present Time

HarryHe pops the headphone lead out of the phone, Metallica’s Master of Puppets blaring. “Mike…you’re bleeding over.”

HarryThen back to some Twisted Insane speed rap.

MikeMike listens to it. “Hmm… wonder how that happened… must be too close to a cell tower or something. Well, it cleared up anyway.”

SanuraSanura takes out her phone and taps out a text to Mike.

STAfter Sanura’s gets out of the chastisement spotlight, Abel leans across his aisle seat, and nudges her with his phone. It bears a picture

HarryHe pauses the song.

STApparently Abel had caught a glimpse at what she was browsing.

HarryHe stops, and thinks.

Harry“I think something’s wrong here.”

MikeMike raises an eyebrow. “What’s up?”

SanuraShe sort of leans over and takes a look curious. She arches her brows faintly. “Very nice..” she chuckles a little “you’re suggesting jewelry to compliment my planned attire?” she questions with a faintly teasing tone. The text going unsent for the moment. Her gaze flicking to Harry as she frowns slightly, waiting for him to continue.

Harry“One of two things is going on. We are spontaneously up each others asses the day we set off to get something done…or we are being fucked with.”

Mike“How do you mean?”

STHe smiles a little in response. After a moment, he takes his phone back, strokes his goatee, taps at his phone again, and shows it to her.

Harry“Okay, example. Did you mess with my track just now?”

Mike“No… how could I?”

MalifMalif ponders. “Hmmm, that’s a good point you have there. Perhaps they know to expect us…”

HarryHe smirks at that.

SanuraShe looks at the next picture and makes a slight -o- with her lips .. but she holds one finger up to Able. “give me a moment.. though I do love window shopping” she smiles faintly before focusing again.

ST(( Hans, roll Wits + Empathy ))

Harry6 hits BEFORE Epic Wits.

ST(( Mike is lying. ))

ST(( And Harry knows it. ))

Mike((Yup!))

Harry“Huh. I see. Well, I know who’s fucking with -me-, at least.”

STAbel simply nods at Sanura.

SanuraHer brows arch softly and questions who with her eyes. Holding up her phone to indicated he can text the answer so as not to alarm the band members.

MikeMike nudges Abel. “Easy there, Romeo.”

STAbel lifts his eyebrows pointedly at Mike.

Mike“I can see you flirting. Save it for the hotel.”

HarryHe leans back. “One free shot. Next one’s not.”

SanuraSanura quirks a brow to Mike and frowns faintly. “If he -were- attemtping to woo me I assure you can handle myself Mr Umul”

HarryWith that, he puts his headphones back on.

STAbel nods, motioning to Sanura to punctuate her point.

MikeMike reaches in his back pocket as a power chord is struck, then ends. He pulls out a cellphone and looks at it. He grimaces a bit and responds.

MikeHe finishes his response and pockets his phone with a bit of finality.

SanuraSanura then looks back to her lappy and pointed leans over a little further than she might need to, sharing the image on the screen with Able, the black flowing slacks shown and then a black leather corset. “What do you think? Would boots totally ruin this?”

STAbel gives it an appraising look, taps on his phone, and shows it to her. https://d27fcql9yjk2c0.cloudfront.net/assets/5121196/view_large/Gathered%20Black%20Leather%20Wood%20Heel%20Strap%20Boots%203.jpg?1329741195

MalifMalif closes his eyes and has a nap.

MikeMike blinks. “Are… are you two… Abel, I didn’t know you had a thing for fashion.”

STAbel gives Mike a flat look.

SanuraShe checks out the boots “ooooo those I like..” grinning brightly she goes to order those!

STSo. After an hour of the dream team finally avoiding picking on and sniping at each other… below each house can be seen with some sort of swimming pool or other in the backyard. The plane descends, and, after a while, touches down on Burbank’s runway. When they’re finally released, the porter is waiting for them outside with all their luggage on a cart.

ST(( Aaaand I’m calling it. Almost on time, for a change. ))

ST(( Finish up your closing posts, folks. ))

MikeMike exits the plane and takes his guitar bag, slinging it over his back.

SanuraSanura grabs her stuff and exits with the others.

MalifMalif snores until touchdown. Closing post complete ;)

Victor*Victor Exits the plane and Whistles for Cyril, once he has Cyril in his sights or possession he would get directions to the hotel and jump, outside of the sight of as many, prying eyes as possible.*

HarryHarry disembarks, and ponders what’s going on with the team. And then he has a moment where he realizes he’s basically Cyclops, and shuts that shit right down.